Event Planning

Campaign events promote Federal employee engagement as well as educate about the campaign and the participating charities, which ultimately helps increase campaign participation and revenue. They can be fun and a great way to boost employee morale and comradery in your department or agency. Campaign events supplement the primary goal of the CFC—to offer every potential contributor a 100 percent informed opportunity to give. They do not replace the necessity of the personal ask, which is best accomplished through one-on-one contact by a campaign worker.

Types of Events

From kickoff to closing out the campaign, events are critical to encourage participation and increase awareness. Events can be part of something already scheduled, like inviting a charity speaker to weekly staff meetings, or they can be a stand-alone, like a chili cook-off.

Awareness Events

These events help to educate your community on the options and benefits of supporting charities through the CFC. These events are a great way to spread the word about the campaign and build motivation to support charities through the CFC. Awareness events can be held at the beginning of the campaign (e.g., a kickoff event), throughout the campaign (e.g., a charity fair).

Special Events

Often conducted in conjunction with an event that is already taking place at your agency (e.g., leadership calls and staff meetings, farewell parties, bazaars, training/safety days, etc.). Hosting a friendly CFC competitive event can boost energy around the campaign and add a fun element to an existing event. This year, consider planning special events in support of the CFC promotional days: Kickoff Day on Oct. 2, Show Some Love Day on Nov. 2, #GivingTuesday on Nov. 28, and International Volunteer Day on Dec. 5.

Recognition Events

Recognition events allow department or agency leaders to publicly recognize and thank campaign workers for their dedication and thank all employees for their generosity through the CFC. These are usually held toward the end of the campaign, as a finale event, or even a few weeks after the completion of the campaign.

Note: Fundraising events are no longer permitted under new CFC regulations.

How to Request Charity Participation in Events

Know the rules of engagement. For agencywide events, you must provide an opportunity for ALL CFC charities to attend your event. If space is limited, access should be granted on a first-come, first served basis.

When contacting charities to participate in an event, be sure to include the location, date, time, facility access instructions and other instructions, such as:

Speaking requirements

Table/booth requirements

Reminders about prohibited activities such as selling items or asking for direct contributions

Reminder that the charity is there to represent ALL charities

For all questions regarding charity outreach, contact Edna DeLeon via email at [email protected] or by phone at 202-465-7200.

Reminder

Cash fundraising events are no longer permitted under new CFC regulations. However, events are a great
time to remind colleagues to make their pledge when they return to their desk. They can give online or by check with a
pledge form.